Super Kid: Maddie Anderson, Archbishop Murphy senior

Q: As ASB president at Archbishop Murphy, you’re following in some family footsteps. Tell me about that.

A: I have two older siblings who went to Murphy. My sister, Claire, is at Santa Clara University and my brother, Anker, is at Whitman. He graduated last year. My brother was class president here his freshman, sophomore and junior years, and then ASB president. And so was I. We joke that it’s a family dynasty.

Q: Where did you go to school before high school?

A: I went to St. Mary Magdalen in Everett. We live in Mill Creek, but there were lots of people to carpool with.

Q: How has attending Catholic schools shaped you?

A: Being in a Catholic school puts the emphasis on teaching the whole person — teaching us to be good people. That carries through in every subject, not just theology.

Q: Is volunteer work part of that emphasis?

A: We’re required to do service hours every year. I worked three summers at Camp Prov, a day camp for kids with special needs. They hold it at Forest Park. And last summer I went to Lynden with St. Michael Church in Snohomish. We helped with migrant workers. I was in a day care center with children who mostly spoke Spanish — and I speak French.

Q: Have extracurricular activities kept you busy?

A: I’ve been on the track team since freshman year. I do the high jump, the Fosbury flop. I really enjoy the team camaraderie.

Q: What classes are you taking now?

A: French 4, AP government and politics, AP-AB calculus, pottery, and Matteo Ricci, which is English, social science and theology honors 12. You get college credit; it’s a Seattle University program.

Q: Are you in the middle of doing college applications?

A: I’ve finished my applications. I sent in six. Who knows? I have five months before I have to decide. I really like Whitman or Gonzaga.

Q: Did you write an essay for college applications?

A: Yes, I talked about my voice. In second grade, for a school talent show, I decided to recite a poem. I was on the speech team in middle school. Getting up and speaking helped me with student government.

Q: What about career choices?

A: I’m not sure. My favorite course is English, and I really enjoy science. Math is another story. My father is a family physician. Medicine is an option.

Q: Any advice for other high school students?

A: Do lots of activities. I was in the fall play, Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” It was a blast.

Q: Is there a special memory you’ll take away from high school?

A: Last year my friend and I were decorating Mr. (John) Matusak’s office — the vice principal — for his birthday. We were in there putting up streamers and balloons, but got caught.

Q: If you had a whole day free, how would you spend it?

A: I like hanging out with friends, spending time with family, baking and reading. I’m not a big movie person, but “The Office” is a favorite TV show.